Alexander Gustafsson Will Wait for UFC Title Fight

To fight, or not to fight – that is the question. The answer is simple for Alexander Gustafsson (pictured).

The UFC light heavyweight top contender will sit the sidelines until a title tilt comes calling.

“Let’s just say that Alexander Gustafsson is not happy right now,” reporter Ariel Helwani shared on this week’s edition of UFC Tonight. “I spoke to his manager and told me he’ll be ready to fight by January 3. He’ll do whatever he can to not get passed by and won’t accept any other fights before his chance at the title.”

The pesky injury bug has done a number on Gustafsson’s championship plans. First, a torn meniscus in his right knee forced Gustafsson out of his highly-anticipated rematch with reigning champ Jon Jones, which allowed Daniel Cormier to leapfrog him and take the September 27 tango against Jones.

Gustafsson was facing a five to six week recovery following his August 5 surgery, as long as rehab went according to plan.

Earlier this week, Jones was forced out of his UFC 178 fight with Cormier after reportedly tearing his meniscus and a spraining his ankle during practice. Despite the fact Gustafsson and Jones would now be on relatively the same timetable to return, Cormier gets to keep his spot as Jones’ next opponent. They will now collide January 3 at UFC 182 – much to “The Mauler’s” dismay.

Perhaps Gustafsson could have reclaimed his next dibs status if he would have gotten into an impromptu brawl with Jones inside the MGM Grand lobby?

If the UFC allows Gustafsson to ride the pine, that means he won’t return until at least April 2015 – assuming, of course, the Jones and Cormier victor escapes their grudge match unscathed.

Gustafsson hasn’t been seen since annihilating Jimi Manuwa in March.

Can’t really blame Gustafsson for his stance, look what happened to Josh Thomson…